Ricardo

Ricardo has been in the United States for over 10 years.  He has always sent money to Mexico to support family members.  His outstanding characteristic has been his dedication toward work.  He has always had one or two jobs in restaurants.  In the process he learned to cook and was the main cook at a local restaurant until he was taken by the Secure Community Program .  He is hard working and has always gotten along well with fellow workers who trust him in every way.

Eight years ago he established a long term relationship with Marie.  She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had much anxiety.  She twice called and police and filed domestic violence charges.  Ricardo completed counseling and a 28 week course in domestic violence which the court ordered.  Later this relationship became more stable and the couple now have a four old child, Carla.  In the last two years the relationship has ended although they still communicate about Carla.

Ricardo has always contributed financially to whatever house he was in.  He supported the household of Marie which also included two older daughters.  His child and her mother are presently in Mexico caring for her ill mother.  He has always sent money for their support until he was seized by ICE.  There was a plan to bring Carla to the United States, however, that plan has been postponed.  Presently she is unable to attend public pre-school in Mexico because she is an American citizen.

Ricardo had a traffic violation which caused him to be picked by ICE.  He has been in a county jail in Missouri for three months.  He is unable to pay the bond and his immigration hearing is next week.  He has decided to voluntarily return to Mexico although it is not clear when that will happen.  Ricardo has been unable to find a low cost lawyer since immigration sent him to Missouri and legal agencies do not represent non-Missouri residents.